Autonomous Republic of Northern Epirus, 1914 Northern Epirus was a short-lived, self-governing entit

Autonomous Republic of Northern Epirus, 1914

Northern Epirus was a short-lived, self-governing entity founded in the aftermath of the Balkan Wars on February 28, 1914 by Greeks living in southern Albania (Northern Epirotes). After being taken by the Greek Army during the First Balkan War the area was assigned to the newly established Albanian state, what was rejected by the local Greeks.

The flag is based on that of Greece at that time, but also shows a double-headed eagle like the flag of Albania. “A” and “E” stand for autonomous Epirus.

The Greek Army reoccupied the area in October 1914 following the outbreak of WWI, and it was supposed to be ceded to Greece following the war. But Italian interests and the lack of military victories prevented this.